October 1998

Up
R.E.M.

  1. Airportman
  2. Lotus
  3. Suspicion
  4. Hope
  5. At My Most Beautiful
  6. The Apologist
  7. Sad Professor
  8. You're In The Air
  9. Walk Unafraid
  10. Why Not Smile
  11. Daysleeper
  12. Diminished
  13. Parakeet
  14. Falls To Climb
Up is the eleventh studio album by American alternative rock band R.E.M.. This is the first album where the band was extensively influenced by electronic music - an experiment that was not a commercial success. Personally, I'm on the fence - I admire the choice for a new direction rather than play it safe, but I'm not 100% happy with the result. That said, the sheer musicianship of the band members is obvious throughout the record, and in the end it is still too good not to include it in my list. Picks of the crop to my taste include LotusSuspicionSad ProfessorYou're In The AirWhy Not SmileDaysleeperDiminished, and Parakeet.

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